Youngest Malacca polls candidate battles youth disinterest in politics

MALACCA POLLS | While a new generation of young politicians and activists have emerged, particularly stemming from the Undi18 movement, the country's politics is still largely dominated by the older generation.

The dominance of "boomers" in politics has also turned off many youths.

But for Farzana Hayani Nasir), politics runs in the family and her involvement started since her schooling days.

Farzana, or "Nana" as she is more fondly known (above), hopes that her candidacy can help spark greater youth interest in politics.

"These days, many youths are not interested in politics. But when there is a young and new face, the youths will be curious and it'll pique their interest for them to find out more," she in an interview with Malaysiakini.

At only 21, Farzana was fielded by PKR as Pakatan Harapan's candidate in the BN stronghold of Sungai Rambai, making her the youngest candidate in the Malacca polls.

She faces BN's Siti Faizah Abdul Azis, Perikatan Nasional's Muhammad Jefri Safry, and Putra's Nazatul Asyraf Md Dom.

Farzana said her peers, including those from families from opposing political parties, have been supportive of her. Likewise, her family has also shown their support.

She acknowledged that she is much younger and has far less experience than them but made a spirited appeal to the voters of Sungai Rambai.

"I admit that I'm still young, much younger than the rest. But I hope Sungai Rambai voters will evaluate me based on my determination and sincerity in helping and caring for their welfare.

"My opponents have more experience than me. Even though I'm small, but I have a big heart and spirit for the people of Sungai Rambai," she said.

From a young age, Farzana said she had been involved in various welfare efforts. She also got involved in politics from a young age.

Determination to help

"Since my secondary school days, I've helped with election campaigns.

My father runs a food stall where I help out and from there I also got involved in his political work," she said. Farzana's father is also the Tangga Batu PKR vice chief.

Farzana was last year appointed as the state PKR Srikandi chief and was responsible for various welfare programmes, including back-to-school events for orphans.

"When we help the needy, when we show them love and sincerity and see their reactions, it gives us satisfaction," she said.

An area Farzana hopes to address is the issue of internet access in the constituency.

"In Sungai Rambai, there are many families with children who are still studying. During the lockdown, many have to learn online but their learning is limited by poor internet access.

"As a university student now, I understand how stressful it is," said Farzana, who is a UiTM undergraduate and has a diploma in Communication and Media Studies.

She also hopes for more economic opportunities in the constituency, as well as more women involved in entrepreneurship.

Asked about her party's decision to accept former Umno leader Idris Haron as an election candidate, Farzana acknowledged grassroots unhappiness over the issue.

"Honestly speaking, I know there are those who are dissatisfied. But I believe Harapan has made a collective and holistic decision.

Farzana said voters should decide based on a candidate's determination to serve.

In the 2018 general election, BN won Sungai Rambai with 51.33 percent of the votes.

It was one of only five seats in Malacca where, despite multi-cornered fights, BN won with more than half of the votes. - Mkini

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